Highfields Pioneer Village is another step closer to reopening thanks to a $10,000 COVID-19 Emergency Community Grant from Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland.
The community hub for education, recreation and connections will put the funds towards making the necessary safety modifications needed to comply with COVID-19 health requirements.
Highfields Pioneer Village President Mervyn Polzin said the not-for-profit was thankful for the grant, saying that it was a huge help.
“Our aim is to make the village safe for everybody as we learn to operate in this new environment,” Mervyn said.
“This includes taking extra steps to make it safer for our more vulnerable visitors with disabilities as well as our older volunteers.
“We’re hopeful that we will be able to reopen in September.”
Crows Nest Cooyar Freemasons Lodge representative Ian Hotchin said they nominated the local organisation for the funding.
“Highfields Pioneer Village has brought local history to life for many years, and it is important that we get behind them in times like these,” Ian said.
Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said the charity was focused on assisting its existing charity partners and working with Freemason Lodges to increase support at a grassroots level during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“So far, Hand Heart Pocket has provided over $750,000 in COVID-19 emergency support and Grassroots Community Grants to charities across Queensland during the pandemic,” Gary said.
“We are glad Freemasons could provide this hand up at a time when communities need extra support.”
Photo: Highfields Pioneer Village President Mervyn Polzin and Crows Nest Cooyar Freemasons Lodge representative Ian Hotchin.
